Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has sparked a debate over the disparity in rules governing foreign marriages for Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers and lawmakers.
In a post on X, Sarma pointed out that while IFS officers must obtain government permission to marry a foreign national—who must then acquire Indian citizenship within six months—no such rule applies to lawmakers, whose foreign spouses can retain their original citizenship for up to 12 years.
“During my interactions with an IFS officer in Singapore, I learned that officers in the Indian Foreign Service cannot marry a foreign national without prior permission from the Government of India. Moreover, even when permission is granted, it comes with the condition that the spouse must acquire Indian citizenship within six months. Interestingly, this rule does not apply to our lawmakers,” Sarma posted. He further added, “Allowing a foreign spouse of a lawmaker to retain foreign citizenship for 12 years is far too long. Loyalty to the nation must always take precedence over all other considerations.”
Meanwhile, continuing his concern over the disparity in rules governing foreign marriages for Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers and lawmakers, the Assam chief minister took to his X handle and wrote, “Serious questions need to be answered regarding allegations of ISI links, leading young individuals to the Pakistan Embassy for brainwashing and radicalization, and the refusal to take Indian citizenship for the past 12 years. Additionally, participation in a conversion cartel and receiving funds from external sources, including George Soros, to destabilize national security are grave concerns that cannot be ignored. At some point, accountability will be necessary. Simply deflecting responsibility or attempting to shift the focus onto others will not serve as an easy escape route. The nation deserves transparency and truth.”
Sarma’s remarks are being seen as an indirect swipe at Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, whose wife, Elizabeth Colebourn, is of foreign origin. While he did not name anyone directly, the timing of the statement has fueled speculation.
Elizabeth is a British citizen and currently working for Oxford Policy Management, which works on Climate.
Adding to the controversy, a section of social media has recently raised concerns over a past detail regarding Gaurav Gogoi’s wife, particularly given his role as the Deputy Leader of Opposition (Dy LoP) in the Lok Sabha.
A viral post alleges that her PhD guide was a Pakistani national, sparking fresh debates over the connections of lawmakers’ foreign spouses.
Her supervisor at the time was Ali Tauqeer Sheikh, a key advisor to Pakistan’s Planning Commission.
While no official statement has been made by Gogoi in response to these claims, the issue has gained traction among political circles and online discussions.
Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi responds to allegations against wife
Guwahati: Congress Lok Sabha Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi has come under fire after allegations surfaced against his wife, Elizabeth Gogoi, linking her to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The accusations, which were brought to light by BJP spokesperson Kishor Upadhyay, claim that she had worked in Islamabad under Tauqir Sheikh, a key advisor to Pakistan’s Planning Commission.
In a press statement issued today, Upadhyay emphasized that these allegations are not to be taken lightly, given the sensitive nature of national security. He further stated that as a prominent opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, Gogoi plays a vital role in shaping policies and representing public interests. The alleged ties between his wife and the ISI, therefore, warrant close scrutiny, raising concerns about his ability to effectively discharge his responsibilities in Parliament.
The BJP also pointed out a pattern of alleged foreign affiliations within the Congress party, citing past accusations against party members and their families. The statement referenced claims that Congress leaders have received funds from billionaire investor George Soros and his organizations, such as the Open Society Foundation, purportedly to interfere in India’s internal affairs. The party further alleged that past links between certain Congress members and Pakistani officials, including ISI operatives, need to be thoroughly examined.
Given the gravity of the allegations, the BJP Assam Pradesh has called for a comprehensive legal investigation into the matter. The party also urged Gaurav Gogoi to issue a detailed public clarification to address these concerns and maintain transparency regarding his wife’s alleged affiliations.
